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Conference quokka::non_custodial_parents

Title:Welcome to the Non-Custodial Parents Conference
Notice:Please read 1.* before writing anything
Moderator:MIASYS::HETRICK
Created:Sun Feb 25 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:420
Total number of notes:4370

277.0. "Divorce vs Legal Separation" by CSC32::J_FORREST (Jill Forrest) Wed Aug 25 1993 18:08

    Hi,
    
    I was wondering if someone could explain the difference between a
    divorce (or dissolution) and a legal separation.  I am located in
    Colorado so I am interested in general differences or those specific to
    Colorado.
    
    Thanks,
    Jill
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277.1Mass. interpretation....WMOIS::BARTOLOMEO_VIEG Order MgmtWed Aug 25 1993 19:5217
    My comments on this are based on Massachusetts laws, as that's what I
    have been/am exposed to.  A Complaint for Divorce basically is an
    action to initiate a divorce proceeding to ultimately dissolve a
    marriage.  A Complaint for Separate Support (as its called in Mass,
    also known as a Legal Separation) legally allows a couple to live apart
    without abandonment or desertion resulting from the parting or actually
    not living together and supporting each other and/or the family.
    
    A Legal Separation can lead to a divorce complaint, or can be used for
    the parties to engage in reconciliation or councelling while legally
    apart.  The separation typically carries temporary orders with it that
    provide things such as child support, who lives in the home, who has
    child custody, who pays the bills, etc.
    
    I hope this helps, but admittedly, the laws in Colorado may be
    different with regards to this issue.